ly added to
its necessary evils by promoting a reckless temper and willingness to
snatch at any enjoyment without heed to consequences. Close attendance
on the kings had indeed prevented either Malcolm or Percy from even
having the temptation of running into any such lengths as those gentry
who had plundered the shrine of St. Fiacre at Breuil, or were continually
galloping off for an interval of dissipation at Paris; but they were both
on the outlook for any snatch of stolen diversion, for in ceasing from
monastic habits Malcolm seemed to have laid aside the scruples of a
religious or conscientious youth, and specially avoided Dr. Bennet, the
King's almoner.

James feared he had been mistaken, and looked to the influence of
Esclairmonde to repair the evil, if perchance she should follow the Queen
to France. And this it was almost certain she must do, since she was
entirely dependent upon the Countess of Hainault, and could not obtain
admission to a nunnery without recovering a portion of her estates.

CHAPTER IX: THE DANCE OF DEATH

The Queen was coming! No sooner had the first note of surrender been
sounded from the towers of Meaux, than Henry had sent intelligence to
England that the way was open for the safe arrival of his much-loved
wife; and at length, on a sunny day in May, tidings were received that
she had landed in France, under the escort of the Duke of Bedford.

Vincennes, in the midst of its noble forest, was the place fixed for the
meeting of the royal pair; and never did a happier or more brilliant
cavalcade traverse those woodlands than that with which Henry rode to the
appointed spot.

All the winter, the King had heeded appearances as little as of old when
roughing it with Hotspur in Wales; but now his dress was of the most
royal. On his head was a small green velvet cap, encircled by a crown in
embroidery; his robe was of scarlet silk, and over it was thrown a mantle
of dark green samite, thickly powdered with tiny embroidered white
antelopes; the Garter was on his knee, the George on his neck. It was a
kingly garb, and well became the tall slight person and fair noble
features. During these tedious months he had looked wan, haggard, and
careworn; but the lines of anxiety were all effaced, his lustrous blue
eyes shone and danced like Easter suns, his complexion rivalled the fresh
delicate tints of the blossoms in the orchards; and when, with a shyness
for which he laughed at himself,